FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You used to have a Spring and a Fall Application Cycle. Can I wait to apply in the Fall? 

This will be our only funding opportunity for 2023. The Spring/Fall system is not part of our timeline any longer.

Our organization’s programs benefit all of South Florida including the Keys. Can we apply? 

If Coral Gables residents, schools or organizations benefit, then go ahead.

Does my non-profit organization need to be headquartered in Coral Gables in order to receive funding? 

No, but we need to see a substantial connection to our city; the program must support the Foundation’s focus areas for our residents, our students or our visitors. 

What does the Foundation mean by “Placemaking & Historic Preservation?” 

Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. 

Our religious organization has mission work in the community that has a primarily non-worship purpose. Is it eligible? 

Non-worship activities that benefit the Coral Gables community may be considered. 

What’s the typical amount paid by the Foundation in a grant? How much can we ask for? 

In the past, most grants were often between $1,000 and $3,000 in size and there were about 50 to 70 grantees per year. This year, we expect 25 to 30 grants to be awarded, with a ‘sweet spot’ of 3,000 to 7,000. We may make a handful of larger ones. For comparison, last year there were 26 grants and the average was $3800 per award.

How can I check on the status of the Letter of Inquiry I submitted?
Can you confirm receipt of a Letter of Inquiry?

You won’t be able to find out anything until our review committee selects LOIs for an invitation around June 1. At that time we’ll send an invitation by email only to the selected applicant.

Can I modify my Letter of Inquiry? Can I change the amount?

Even our staff is locked out of making any modifications to the LOIs or the organizational information submitted with it.

How can I be prepared for the next steps? 

Here are the file uploads and text responses required for the full Proposal. File uploads include:  Completed form detailing your Project/program budget including expenses and revenues; IRS letter of determination indicating 501(c)(3) status; your board contact information; most recent IRS Form 990 (tax filing).  Text responses include: Brief organizational mission statement; description of why your organization is requesting these funds, what the funds will be used for and what outcomes we can expect; and how will Coral Gables Community Foundation’s contribution be acknowledged or recognized?  None of your responses or files should not be emailed. Finally, if your organization is selected for an award, you’ll need to have your CEO sign a grant agreement and an IRS form W-2. Disclaimer: This list is not meant to be comprehensive and it may change. And please don’t submit any of this until you’re invited to do so.

When is the next application window for Letters of Inquiry in the Community Giving Program? What should I do with a request between now and next year?  

We have no date set for this, but the Community Giving Program could be expected to open again in Spring of 2024.

When will we find out the status of our 2023 Letter of Inquiry?  

We’ll be sending notifications to invite full applications in early April. IF you didn’t get one, you may watch for a declination letter later in April. An awards event is tentatively set for early June 2023.